Tom Van Heest

Hi, my name is Tom Van Heest. I am the author of the Juddville Jaguars Football Series. These novels are the byproduct of over three decades of experience as a husband, father, middle school teacher, and high school football coach. The books are hard core football—there is no denying that—but the characters are real people facing the formidable challenges of growing up while trying to fulfill their responsibilities to family and friends. The key to success in all of these endeavors is a strong faith in God.

I actually started writing the novels several years ago near the beginning of this millennium. I know it's hard to believe, but there was life without cellphones back in those days. Consequently, there are no cellphones in this series which I find quite refreshing.

The first book is A Cord of Three Strands. It covers the two weeks of preseason football camp. It sets the groundwork for the rest of the season.

The second book is Clay: a football novel. This novel starts with the preseason scrimmage and concludes with Game One.

The third book is Rock: a football novel. This book is set during "rivalry week".

The fourth book is Light: a football novel, and it was published in the summer of 2021.

As of April 2023, I am very excited to announce the publishing of the fifth book.

Tree: a football novel.

In my latest novel, I switched to first person point of view. I think you will notice an immediate difference. Intense!

God-willing, I hope to one day complete the Juddville Jaguars Series by telling the entire story of their season.

In addition to the Juddville Jaguars series, I also had the great honor of editing and publishing my father's devotional "Run for Your Life!" This book contains a number of spiritual lessons focusing on the theme of running. It contains a lifetime of wisdom.

I recently retired from teaching, and I am thoroughly enjoying being a grandparent and a football coach with plenty of time for writing, reading, and playing my guitar!